Filinvest’s planned coal-fired plant in Misamis Oriental likely blocked
-A A +AWednesday, February 27, 2013
THE establishment of a multi-million-peso power generation investment of Filinvest Development Corp. (Filinvest) in Villanueva town in Misamis Oriental would likely be a failure as another environmentalist group in Northern Mindanao has been releasing statements to possibly block the entry of another coal-fired power plant in the area.
Sulog, a group of environmentalists based in Cagayan de Oro, claimed future environmental concerns should the project is pushed through by the multi-national investor.
Sulog chairman Orlando Ravanera said the plant, which would generate up to 405 megawatt (MW) power, jeopardizes the health of the residents in the area.
The plant, according to reports, will be set up at an 84.4-hectare land located inside the 400 kilometer-range not allowed Environment department where a community is existing.
Ravanera, though, admitted that the coming of more power generation investments is a welcome development for Mindanao and can certainly help solve the shortage of power in the island, but the local government should also consider other renewable energy sources and not only focus on the coal-fired power plants.
In other countries, he said, they discourage the use of coal as a source of energy as it releases 31 kinds of toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and abortion from the smoke emission during operation.
He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should thoroughly check the project before an approval is given.
Ravanera even called on citizens to be vigilant against any establishment of “unsafe investments.”
“They should take a stand and say no to coal-fired power plant,” he added.
Miren Sanchez of the Filinvest said the company is still waiting for the completion of key technical studies that would dictate the design of the plant and other environmental concerns before they release a statement.
Sanchez, however, assured the public that they will comply with all the necessary requirements to pass the standards of the Environment department.
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on February 27, 2013.
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